Jo-Ann Morgan Source for Seminar Paper

Morgan, Jo-Ann. "Mammy the Huckster: Selling the Old South for the New Century." American Art 9.1, 1995: 86-109.

Jo-Ann Morgan's article primarily articulate the historical tradition and conception of the popularized Mammy figure following the end of the Civil War. I have invoked this source for my seminar paper because the two African American protagonists, Aibileen and Minny, embody the traits traditionally ascribed the the Mammy figure, yet this doesn't seem to be an issue in the film at all. Rather, the young white female protagonists notes: "They love us and we love them," noting that love between the two races is not the issue and simultaneously supporting what Morgan notes: “[Mammy figure was a form of] sentimental recollection. [When describing a popular photograph, Morgan notes that the Mammy's] serious expression, intent on the face of her little white charge, exemplififes the southerner’s ‘mythic mammy’” (Morgan 95).

This role as the ideal surrogate parent is further exemplified thorughout the film through Aibileen's character, who takes care of little Mae Mobley who is neglected by her white socialite mother. Aibileen continually tells the little girl: "You is kind, you is smart, you is important," which demonstrates the necessity of Aibileen's presence in the young girl's development and life. Furthermore, The physical traits between [the mistress and the mammy] are used to define their separate roles. The general heftiness of the Mammy figure emphasizes that she is equipped for hard work, while her small tiny-waisted mistress appears to belong in the parlor” (Morgan 99).

This physicality as the defining role is particularly exemplified by Minny and her newly-acquired employer Celia Foote, who continually seems to force Minny into “equality,” exemplified through her forcing Minny to dine with her at the same table, something with which Minny is uncomforatable and seems to echo Scarlet O’Hara’s mammy’s line “It just ain’t fittin’.” Furthermore, Minny as the beloved Mammy figure is further enforced through Celia Foote’s character who is unable to fit into southern society due to her child-like nature. Therefore, Minny also acts as a type of surrogate loving mother to Celia further enforces her Mammy role.